Taki

If you're hopelessly addicted to speed, Taki is your drug of choice. Taki is possibly the fastest character in the game, with quick, short attacks that link to pseudo-stances and other attacks for an endless barrage of offense. She's got a wide array of low and mid attack so you can work in lots of mix ups to simply overwhelm your opponent. Range is the enemy of Taki players, so move in close and do your best to stay there. In close quarters exchanges, Taki almost always comes out on top. If your opponent's defense is really solid, you'll need to mix in Taki's 8-way-run moves, like the excellent Illusion Scroll ( or + B ), and Possession attacks (initiate Possession with ). Try to learn all of Taki's paths to the Possession pseudo-stance so you can more easily work it into your offense.

Taki is available by default.

Key Moves & Combos

+ B A

Lightning Scroll : : There are a number of ways to the Possession semi-stance (including just rolling ), and this is one of the best. The quick string starts with a mid attack which makes it good for general pressure. From Possession, your choices are obviously many. Alternatively, you can end the combo with + A to go for a low hit instead.

A + B

(During Possession)

Exorcism : : Taki's Possession move lets her unload a variety of dangerously fast attacks, so when opponents see Possession they tend to get very defensive. While the opponent is trying to figure out blocking high or low, occasionally work in Exorcism. This unblockable attack comes exceptionally fast for an unblockable and does solid damage.

or + B

Illusion Scroll : : The Illusion Scroll comes out very fast from an up or down 8-way-run (or simply by double tapping or ). The attack hits mid and knocks the opponent into the air, making for very easy juggle combos.

+ A + B B

Ninja Cannon: Double : : This pair of low attacks isn't Taki's quickest, and despite looking spectacular also isn't especially powerful. However, the second attack launches the opponent into the air, allowing for easy follow up juggles. This attack is especially good if you've got your back to the edge of the ring, as you can launch an opponent over your shoulders and juggle them off the stage.

+ A

Reaping Hook : : Add this to your list of low attacks to mix into Taki's attack patterns. It comes out quick and knocks down the opponent on hit. As well, it leaves Taki in a crouch position that lets you follow with either crouching attacks or her excellent "while rising" attacks like Darkness Banishment ( B B While Rising ) and Shadow Claw ( A A A ).